Wednesday, March 25, 2009

1961 Holiday House Part I

This overpriced trailer annoyed me, too predictable. I mean it sold for $5700 on Ebay. I had to think it was because it is touted as a mid-century trailer which means it was designed in the Eames Era theme which has reached it's pinnacle of popularity last year (in my opinion). I've seen nicer Airstreams sell for less than that. Then I saw her sister! Witnessing a complete makeover, I had to change my tune. Ok so it's still overpriced, but in the right loving hands, it might make a decent investment. I know I'm probably not suppose to say this outloud, but I like the layout of the interior so much more than an Airstream. I have a thing for square walls, I guess, and this trailer has 'em. It also has that certain quality that low back couches in the 60's had, fine lines and good use of negative space. This trailer was described as an Eames style house on wheels. I saw the resemblance. If Frank Lloyd Wright had a trailer it'd be this one with a creek running through it.

8 comments:

Hello Travelling Trailers, I came across your blog this evening while researching the Holiday House brand. I got a chuckle out of your description of the trailer as an "overpriced trailer" that "annoyed you."

I have a different perspective on the trailer because, to me, it's only overpriced if:

1. a person is looking to buy it and then sell it for a profit, or,2. a person can buy an identical one for less money.

When I bought the trailer, I was not aware of anywhere I could buy another 17 foot Holiday House in complete and restorable shape for less money. Are you?

And, I bought it with the interest of a collector not a profiteer.

I don't have any plans to sell the trailer after the restoration is complete, but what I have found is that with these unrestored trailers, it costs a few thousand dollars more to buy a rare trailer than a common trailer. The time and expense to restore a rare trailer or a common trailer are nearly identical. After dumping thousands of dollars and months or years into a common trailer, it may be difficult to recover one's investment. That's not the case with a rare trailer. The few grand difference up front is more than made up for in the end.

I'm looking forward to beginning the restoration this winter. I think it is going to be a fun project and a nice trailer to enjoy.

Also, you mistated the price of the trailer. It was $500 less than you indicated.

That is a fantastic comment. I couldn't agree with you more that the price is really irrelevant when you find a trailer that inspires you. The gems, even those "in the rough" are so few and far between. I think the Holiday House trailers are probably one of the better travel trailer investments. They are really a true classic. I added prices to the blog to give an idea of how trailers are valued to individuals. Perhaps I should rethink that and not refer to price at all, since you very rightly pointed out that the price is a rather personal thing.

so there is only 4 or 5 known holidays..then i'm wondering if i have one of those 4 or 5. i bought mine for 600.00 back in 05 and it looked to be in better shape then that one. i'm just getting to know vintage trailers and from what you wrote it sounds like i got myself a jewel. i've been posting questions everywhere to find some parts and info about them like if they had a grey water tank and a water heater. if you have any info please let me know. thanks for your time Rich you can reach me at rich_rivas@yahoo.com

I don't know how many Holiday House trailers are in existence. I wouldn't put a lot of stock in the number 4 or 5. I know I have seen at least that many. I particularly liked this one that I bought because it was the 17 foot model - perhaps the seller was speculating there are only 4 or 5 of that model, but I don't know. I have a couple Aero Flites, including the prototype, and when I bought the first one (the 78th one built), there were only a handful of them known - now I am aware of close to twenty. I imagine more Holiday Houses will be found in various stages of originality and rot. Mine is believed to be pretty rot free - but won't know for sure until I pull the skin off. I haven't researched Holiday Houses yet, so I really don't know much. Mine if the 134th built.

I just purchased a 1961 Holiday House...it's 16 feet long...it will be my third trailer restore...just finished a 63 Airfloat (16 foot)...it sold to the first looker...I don't know if I will be able to let the Holiday go on one without me....